2012 kia rio5 Model Overview

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3 of 5

The all-new 2012 Kia Rio 5-door has arrived on the subcompact scene with updated style, more technology, and greater fuel efficiency thanks in large part to a new engine. It has a cleaner and more athletic appearance thanks to Kia lead designer Peter Schreyer (formerly of Audi), whose new Kia staple is the “tiger nose” grille also seen on the new Sorento and Optima, among other Kia models. Kia will also equip the 5-door Rios with its Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology – a segment first – in early 2012.

Like the sedan, the Rio 5-door comes in three trim levels: LX, EX, and the sporty SX. Although upgrading to the SX makes the 5-door only look sportier, the engine is same on all models: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Only the base LX trim will carry the six-speed manual, and is expected to sell in much smaller quantities. All Rio 5-doors are EPA rated at 30/40 mpg city/highway.

Optional packages are available for each trim level: LX models can get a Power Package that includes power doors and locks; the EX comes with the ECO package that will employ the ISG technology, and the SX premium package is standard on SX models and comes with goodies include navigation, push button start, smart key, heated front seats, power sunroof with title, and leather seats.

The all-new Kia Rio 5-door, formerly known as the Rio5, not only sports a new name, but a fresh new appearance and a new 1.6-liter engine with 138 horsepower mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Like the Rio sedan, the 5-door will also utilize Idle Stop and Go (ISG), which helps improve fuel economy along with the engine itself, which is 29 pounds lighter than the outgoing engine. Several upscale features are available for the 5-door hatchback, including navigation, push-button start, heated front seats, and a rearview camera.

The new-look Kia grille is flanked by large, expressive headlamps on each variant, but in the top-level SX trim, the 5-door gets a more sporting visage with three separate lower-fascia air ducts (the sedan’s are connected into one), and projector beam headlamps (sedans get basic halogen). A rear spoiler also comes standard on all models, but SX trims come with more tidbits including 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, LED lights, dual chrome exhaust tips, and power-folding side mirrors.

Soy-based foam is used in the Rio 5-door’s seats and 85 percent of the Rio’s materials are recyclable, but that doesn’t mean technology and comfort are compromised. The Rio 5-door’s optional soft-touch interior materials are a surprising touch for its class, although there are several budget-themed hard plastic areas. Entry-level LX models come with USB/auxiliary jack, steering wheel-mounted controls, and driver’s seat height adjuster. A power package is available for LX models, which includes power windows, power locks, and remote keyless entry. All models get three months of free Sirius Satellite radio.

Under the hood, all Rios get the same direct-injected 1.6-liter four cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque – a boost of 28 hp and 16 lb-ft over the outgoing 1.6-liter. Mileage is boosted as well. Kia’s Idle Stop and Go, which shuts down the engine when the car is idling and restarts it when the brake pedal is released, further optimizes efficiency and should help the Rio 5-door improve slightly on the car’s EPA-rated 30/40 mpg city/highway. We found that in action, the restarts weren’t exceptionally smooth, but not bad at all for a segment first.

The Rio 5-door encompasses all the safety features the sedan does: Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and three-point seatbelts for all seating positions are standard on all trim levels. Electric stability control (ESC), hill-start assist (HAC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), and vehicle stability management (VSM) are also included. A unique body construction Kia refers to as Halo Body construction is designed to help protect occupants in side impact and roll-over crashes.

2012 Kia Rio5 Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$14,700

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$9,650

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

2012 Kia Rio5 News and Reviews

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